Üstel pointed out that the Greek Cypriot Administration has taken steps to restrict tourists with prior reservations who want to travel from Larnaca to the TRNC. He said, “The same mentality that previously targeted those investing in immovable properties is now setting its sights on our tourism sector, which is a significant source of income for the Turkish Cypriot people”.
Prime Minister Üstel stated the following:
“The Greek Cypriot Administration’s restrictions on tourists entering the TRNC create a complex situation regarding international law, particularly concerning freedom of travel and state sovereignty.
“Such measures increase tension between the two communities, lead to discrimination, and violate rights protected under international law, such as freedom of travel.
“Rather than contributing to a solution to the Cyprus issue, the Greek Cypriot Administration is displaying an attitude that moves further away from resolving the problem.
“I strongly condemn this application, which is a manifestation of hostile thinking and inconsistent with human rights and freedoms.
“I reject the Greek Cypriot Administration’s policy of oppression against the Turkish Cypriot people since 1963.
“I call on the Greek Cypriot Administration, which damages neighbourly relations between the two communities on the island and undermines the possibility of cooperation between them, to act with reason.
“The Greek Cypriot Administration should know that the Turkish Cypriot people will never accept economic blockades and oppressive policies.
“It will not be possible to reach an agreement with the Greek Cypriot Administration, which claims to seek a solution in Cyprus, through such reasoning”.
*An advisory issued by the south’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns that if you stay in property owned by Greek Cypriot refugees, the owners of that property could sue you.
